By Bernard Clemens
Author Michelle Grace invites families into a world of wonder, reassurance, and unconditional love with her debut picture book, I’m Right Here (Brown Books Publishing Group), on sale October 6, 2026. Inspired by the profound bond between mother and daughter, this beautifully illustrated bedtime story uses lyrical storytelling and the imagery of the night sky to remind children that they are always loved, always connected, and never alone.
Tender and uplifting, I’m Right Here celebrates both the emotional journey of motherhood and the enduring power of a parent’s love. Against a backdrop of stars, moonlight, and the vastness of the night sky, Grace weaves a comforting story that reassures children they are forever connected to the people who love them most. Offering young readers a sense of comfort, security, and belonging, the book gently guides them toward calm at the end of the day while honoring the unbreakable bond between parent and child.
The story is incredibly personal for Grace, whose own journey into motherhood inspired the book. Before becoming a mother, Grace had spent years building a life in New York City, the place that had shaped her since childhood. Yet despite her accomplishments, she felt disconnected from a part of herself that had quietly faded over time. Everything changed when her daughter entered her life, becoming a catalyst for renewal, creativity, and self-discovery.
“From the moment we met, something shifted,” says Grace. “I feel like I had been blinded before her. And now I’m so alive.”
Grace’s path to motherhood came through surrogacy, a journey marked by challenges, perseverance, and determination. Wanting to build a strong bond with her daughter from the very beginning, she immersed herself in early childhood development and discovered the transformative power of imaginative play as a tool for connection.
“It was through play and storytelling that we learned about each other,” Grace explains. “Those experiences became the foundation not only of our relationship but also of the books I write today.”
The experience also connected Grace to generations of mothers before her, including her own mother, who passed away from cancer when Grace was just nineteen years old. That renewed sense of connection inspired I’m Right Here, which serves as both a love letter to her daughter and a reflection on the enduring nature of maternal love.
What began as a deeply personal story has evolved into a broader mission: helping families rediscover the power of imagination, creativity, and emotional connection. Grace believes that children are naturally wired for wonder and that storytelling plays a vital role in nurturing emotional resilience, curiosity, and problem-solving skills. Her books encourage parents and children to engage with one another through imaginative play, transforming ordinary moments into opportunities for connection and growth.
“My daughter reminds me every day to be a kid and follow my heart,” says Grace. “Everything we do is a story. Everywhere we go, I try to make it play. That’s how we’re getting through life, with story and play.”
With its poetic prose, comforting message, and authenticity, the book is a natural fit for family bookshelves and bedtime routines. It is a touching reminder that love transcends distance, time, and circumstance, and that the bonds we share are as constant and enduring as the stars above.
About the Author
Michelle Grace is the author of I’m Right Here and My Wild Imagination, illustrated children’s books that invite families into a world where curiosity, connection, and creativity lead the way. Inspired by her own journey into motherhood, Grace writes stories that celebrate emotional connection, imaginative play, and the wonder of childhood.
Raised in Brooklyn and now living in Manhattan with her daughter, Michelle draws inspiration from New York City’s creative energy, cultural diversity, and everyday magic. Her debut book is a deeply personal love letter to her daughter.
Through her work, Grace encourages parents and children to nurture imagination, build meaningful connections, and rediscover the joy of seeing the world through a child’s eyes.
